Trial in a class-action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against blacks is set to begin in a Polk County District courtroom.

Earlier this month, a judge rejected the state's request to throw out the lawsuit against the state.

Judge Robert Blink disagreed with the state's argument that the case was too broad be legally viable. He said the state agreed years ago to certify the case for class action.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

The lawsuit was filed in 2007 by 14 people who claim they were denied state positions because they are black. It's grown to cover an estimated 6,000 blacks who sought employment or promotions with the state since 2003.

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